I'm starting to plan my TI purchase, have some items to dispose of first (anyone need a zodiac & outboard?), and since it's nearly July: I've read here that the next model year is already being built in summer, when does Hobie announce what changes are planned for the next (2014) model? By the time I'm ready to purchase I may be looking at whether to get the upcoming model or one of the existing ones. Where does the new model info generally show up first, this site?

There shouldn't be much change. If your family loved it, don't let the summer go bye, go get it and enjoy it with them. Buy a few needed accessories and safety gear with it and maybe get a bit of a deal. Enjoy!

Would love to! But apparently they want money for it, and as I just became aware of the TI a few weeks ago, it will take a little time and planning. The new car will need a trailer hitch, too. So it's late summer at best!

The other thing happening is that while in Hilton Head my daughters rented a Hobie Wave, had never sailed a cat before (I had given up my 16 when the first one was born), and now are clamoring for one. I told them they're welcome to run out and buy themselves one... : )

That's what I loved about it! I can sail, paddle, or pedal (the mirage drive is so cool!) and so easy to single and well-thought out. I'd still need a hand getting it from trailer to water if I were alone, but it's so much fun I don't think I ever will be. (The younger daughter's opinion was "Buy two!" and if I could, I would.)

I have a marine policy on mine, and I have verified that my cover includes all the modular components required to make it a functioning TI, plus electronics etc. This last point is worth investigating, given that Chopcat over in UK has a dispute with his insurer after his TI was stripped while in storage.

Moondancer:If your planning to go out in big water (ocean offshore), you might consider hanging onto that outboard for your TI. Quite a few of us who go out in big water have emergency outboards on our TI's. we use ours mostly for scuba diving and snorkeling down in the keys. Key west is just a tiny dot in the Atlantic, if you miss it you end up in Cuba. If your just planning to use the boat for family outings, you don't need the emergency motor. My rule (without the motor) is to never go further out than you feel safe pedaling back to launch, if the wind dies.Bob